Chairman NAB Lt. Gen (R) Nazir Ahmed presenting memento to Kashif Zaman, out-going Director Media at NAB HQ
Ashrafi condemns Sweden’s permission to burn Bible, calls for global action to preserve peace
ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman and Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Interfaith Harmony and Middle East, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, in a display of interfaith harmony, Friday strongly criticized the Swedish government for granting permission to burn the sacred scripture, Bible.
Hafiz Ashrafi, in an exclusive talk with APP, said such a decision could lead to religious disharmony, death, and destruction worldwide. “The Bible holds the same sanctity as the Holy Quran according to Islamic teachings.”
He urged the global organizations responsible for human rights and religious affairs to promptly address the matter and take appropriate actions to safeguard peace and tranquility among nations.
The PUC chairman’s condemnation came in response to the controversial decision made by the Swedish government, allowing the burning of the celestial scripture of Bible.
“The act of burning holy books has historically been seen as deeply offensive and inflammatory, often inciting violent responses and exacerbating religious tensions,” Hafiz Ashrafi said.
He stressed the need for mutual respect and understanding among different faiths, saying the freedom of expression should not be exploited to incite hatred or religious sentiments.
He called upon the world bodies dealing with religious and human rights affairs to intervene effectively in order to prevent any escalation of conflicts rooted in religious intolerance.
Ashrafi underscored the importance of safeguarding religious freedom and promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse communities. The burning of religious texts was equally condemned by a multitude of individuals and organizations across Pakistan and other countries, he added.
He again denounced the Swedish government’s decision, citing it had the potential for religious disharmony and global unrest, and urged international organizations to intervene.
Eleven children die every week attempting to cross Mediterranean migration route – UNICEF
UNITED NATIONS, Jul 14 (APP):During the first half of the year, 289 boys and girls died while crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe, or double the number compared to the same period in 2022, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported Friday.
The figure is equivalent to about 11 children dying each week, “far beyond what we hear in news headlines,” Vera Knaus, the agency’s Global Lead on Migration and Displacement, told reporters attending the biweekly UN humanitarian briefing in Geneva, according to a UN press release issued at UN Headquarters in New York.
“We cannot continue to ignore what is happening – stand by silently when nearly 300 children – an entire plane full of children – are dying in the waters between Europe and Africa in just six months,” she said.
Conflict and climate change are forcing increasing numbers of children to embark on the dangerous sea journey from North Africa to Europe, it was pointed out.
UNICEF estimated that 11,600 children have made the crossing during the first six months of the year – again nearly twice as many as in the same period in 2022.
However, the agency warned that the true number of child casualties is likely to be higher as many shipwrecks in the Central Mediterranean leave no survivors or go unrecorded.
Ms. Knaus said it appears the world is “willfully ignoring what is happening”, given the numbers and the silence surrounding many of these preventable deaths.
“Children are dying not just in front of our eyes; they are dying while we seem to keep our eyes closed. Hundreds of girls and boys are drowning in the world’s inaction,” she said, noting that the Central Mediterranean is among the deadliest migration routes for children.
UNICEF further estimated that many children are making the crossing without their parents or guardians, with girls traveling alone especially vulnerable to violence throughout the journey.
During the first three months of the year, 3,300 unaccompanied or separated children arrived in Europe via the Central Mediterranean Sea route, or more than 70 per cent of the total.
In response to the escalating crisis, UNICEF is supporting countries in strengthening child protection, social protection and migration and asylum systems. Staff are also working with governments to provide support and inclusive services to all children, regardless of their legal status, or that of their parents.
“These deaths are preventable,” Ms. Knaus said. “They are as much driven by the complex emergencies, conflicts and climate risks that drive children from their homes as by the lack of political and practical action to do what it takes to enable safe access to asylum and to protect the rights and lives of children
Meanwhile, countries in the region, and the European Union (EU), must do more to protect vulnerable children at sea but also in countries of origin, transit and destination, she said.
She also stressed the need for safe, legal and accessible pathways for children to seek protection and reunite with their families, through expanding access to family reunification, refugee resettlement or other humanitarian visas.
Additionally, countries must step up coordination on search and rescue operations at sea and ensure prompt disembarkation to safe locations.
Ms. Knaus said the duty to rescue a boat in distress is a fundamental rule in international maritime law, and pushbacks at sea or land borders are violations of national, EU and international law.
Marriyum grieved over demise of Colonel (retd) Raja Waseem
ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Friday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Colonel (retd) Raja Waseem, terming it a “great loss” for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
She, in a tweet, said the whole party was deeply saddened by hearing news of Colonel (retd) Raja Waseem’s demise.
The minister acknowledged his role in promoting the party’s idealogy and paid tribute to him for the services he rendered for the country, nation, democracy, and the PML-N.
She recalled that late Raja Waseem defended the party and its Qauid Nawaz Sharif’s stance always, especially in difficult times. He never compromised on his ideals and principles, the minister added.
She prayed to the Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.
A view of dates tree full of fruit at dates garden
CJP underlines importance of comprehensive strategy to control population
ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP):Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial on Friday underlined the importance of a comprehensive strategy to control the rapid increase in the country’s population, saying the United Nations (UN) was also assisting Pakistan in that regard.
He was addressing the opening session of a two-day national conference on “Resilient Pakistan: Calibrating Population and Resources”, organized by the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan.
The CJP said the purpose of fundamental rights in the Constitution was also the happiness of the people and it was the state’s responsibility to take care of the health and needs of the mother and child.
How Iran and Bangladesh overcame the population problem was a case study, he said, adding there was a need for education and training of the population and “it is more important to make the population beneficial”.
CJP Bandial said it was not appropriate to leave the responsibility of every matter to the government. He, however, added that the provision of basic human rights under the Constitution could bring happiness to the people.
“The Constitution of Pakistan not only gives the right to live but also ensures good quality of life, but also protects the fundamental right of employment,” he added. The Constitution was not only a protector of rights regarding individual but also family life, he said.
He said in Article 35 of the Constitution, which is related to (Principal of Policy), it was stated that “the state will have the responsibility to take care of the child, his mother and the family.”
In the same way, he added, the courts were the guardians to ensure the fundamental rights.
The CJP said,”As a judge I do not only look at right and wrong but in most cases other factors are also considered. We should first consider the human and public rights, which are the rights that need to be protected and how these rights can be protected.”
He said today’s narrative was not to control the population, “but it is the desire that how the population can be made useful so that the population cannot only meet their needs but also contribute to the welfare of the country and society”.
Education is needed for that, but “we need to understand how the goals of a prosperous society can be achieved. In this regard, the most important and fundamental role of the state is the state’s priorities for utilizing its resources,” he added.
He said,”We expect the government for everything, but we need to promote the concept of partnership in the society so that the society can also play its role.”
He reminded that the verses of the Holy Quran that were recited at the beginning of the ceremony were about the views of Muslims with reference to wealth, how the rich people of the society should help the poor and the needy.
“In Islam, it is directed to help the needy, which starts with one’s relatives. Islam talks about the stability and prosperity of the family.
“We need to implement these values while we are inclined towards individual actions,” he added.
The CJP said a generation ago, “most of us would remember that relatives used to help each other and some of us were also helped by relatives for education”.
The chief justice on the occasion also appreciated the organizers for holding the conference.
Extreme heat, rainfall highlight need for more climate action: UN weather agency
UNITED NATIONS, Jul 14 (APP): Intense heat is gripping large parts of the Northern hemisphere, whilst heavy precipitation has caused devastating floods and loss of life in several other regions of the world, underscoring the urgent need for more climate action, the UN weather agency said Friday.
According to the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO), June witnessed the warmest global average temperature on record, and heatwaves have persisted into early July. Torrential rains and floods have resulted in dozens of fatalities and affected millions in the United States, Japan, China, Pakistan and India.
“The extreme weather – an increasingly frequent occurrence in our warming climate – is having a major impact on human health, ecosystems, economies, agriculture, energy and water supplies,” WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said in a statement.
“We have to step up efforts to help society adapt to what is, unfortunately, becoming the new normal,” he added.
Heatwaves, amongst the deadliest natural hazards, kill thousands of people each year, it was pointed out.
Elevated temperatures raise the risk of forest fires, as seen recently in Canada, which lost over nine million hectares of forests in 2023 till date, far surpassing the 10-year average of about 800,000 hectares. The resulting pollution and haze spread across much of the northeastern United States, impacting the health of millions.
Above-normal temperatures, with the mercury rising more than five degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) above the long-term average, are forecast in the Mediterranean region over the next two weeks, as well as in many places in North Africa, the Middle East and Turkiye.
A widespread heatwave is intensifying in the southern United States, with high temperatures likely in numerous places, according to the US National Weather Service, which says a few locations could even register all-time temperature records.
Heavy rains and flooding have caused severe damage and loss of life in several parts of the world in recent days.
WMO said the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued heavy rain emergency warnings for the Fukuoka and Oita prefectures, on Kyushu, the country’s third largest island, together with a new daily rainfall record two days ago.
“It’s raining like never before,” JMA said.
Meanwhile, the northeastern US, including New York State and New England has seen deadly torrential rains. New York issued a flash flood emergency and more than four million people were under flood alerts on 11 July.
Elsewhere, floods in northwest China killed a reported 15 people, and in northern India, roads and bridges collapsed and houses were swept away as rivers overflowed during heavy monsoonal rainfall and flooding, claiming dozens of lives.
Extreme weather events, such as floods, heat and drought, affect millions of people and cost billions annually.
The UN agency also highlighted that while developed countries have increased level of preparedness, such as warnings, and management of floods, low-income countries remain vulnerable.
“As the planet warms, the expectation is that we will see more and more intense, more frequent, more severe rainfall events, leading also to more severe flooding,” said Stefan Uhlenbrook, WMO Director of hydrology, water and cryosphere.
“Developed countries like Japan are extremely alert, and they’re also very well prepared when it comes to flood management measures. But many low-income countries have no warnings in place, hardly any flood defense structures and no integrated flood management. WMO is committed to improving the situation,” he said.
PML-N formally launches election campaign: Rana Sana
LAHORE, Jul 14 (APP):Interior Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Punjab President Rana Sanaullah on Friday said the party had formally launched its election activities and it would field candidates in all constituencies of the province.
Addressing a press conference at the party secretariat in Model Town, he said the PML-N had a strong organizational set-up at division, district and union council levels in the Punjab province.
Rana Sanaullah said the party meeting was called to discuss the agenda of effective participation in the upcoming general election, and fielding of candidates in all the Punjab and National Assembly constituencies.
There were a total of 297 Punjab Assembly and 141 NA constituencies in the province, and the PML-N would not leave any of them uncontested, he added.
The minister said the Muslim League was the founding party of Pakistan, which after a long journey since its creation, stabilized the country on strong footing.
He said the PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif, by conducting the nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, had further stabilized Pakistan. However, the world then imposed sanctions on the country, but it was Nawaz Sharif who as prime minister at that time steered it out of the crises, he added.
He said had the “October 12, 1999 adventure” [Musharraf martial law] not been happened, today Pakistan would have been a developed country, with no jobless people. Pakistan was going to become an Asian tiger, but it was pushed into crises under a conspiracy with the ousting of Nawaz Sharif and his party from power, he added.
The minister recalled that the PML-N government had overcome many challenges, including terrorism and power outages just in four years, but then again Nawaz Sharif was punished for that “sin”, which, in fact, was an enmity towards the country.
After 2017, he said, a “project” was launched to divide the country politically again like that of 1999, which stopped development process was stopped, and brought Pakistan to the brink of default. However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ‘s government, under the guidance of Nawaz Sharif, brought the country again out of crises in a short time span of one year, the minister added.
“We promise that after the success in the upcoming elections, we will continue working for development of the country. We will overcome inflation, increase the people’s livelihood and resolve their problems, and ensure supremacy of the law. We will provide a better future to the youth and promote tolerance,” Rana Sanaullah vowed.
He expressed the hope that there would be no conspiracy against the PML-N in the next elections and the country would continue its journey of development under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif.
The PML-N did not believe in the politics of ‘revenge and hatred’, he added.
Rana Sanaullah said that the PML-N would not compromise on its electable candidates, asserting that in 2018, the party contested the elections despite many candidates had returned its tickets, and maintained its political existence.
Responding to a query, the minister said action being taken against individuals and groups involved in the May 9 incidents according to the laws, was not a political revenge. No innocent person was arrested, he added.
Regarding the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, he said the relevant institutions were continuing their investigation in that regard. Some miscreants had been caught so far, while the masterminds of May 9 mayhem would also be brought to book.
The minister said in the upcoming elections, the people would vote for the parties keeping in view their past performance.
The PML-N parliamentary party would decide about the prime ministerial or chief ministerial candidate, whereas Nawaz Sharif’s consultation would be mandatory in that regard, he added.
To another question, he said political dialogue had continued for a whole year, but one party had refused to engage in the talks process. The PML-N, after coming to power again, would steer the country out of all crises, besides taking action against those who had rigged the 2018 elections, he added.
Later, Rana Sanaullah also chaired the PML-N Punjab party meeting, which was also attended by senior leader Pervaiz Rasheed, Anusha Rehman and others.
During the meeting, it was decided that lists would be sought from all party organisations about the party candidates in all constituencies. The meeting also decided to field the PML-N candidates in each and every constituency, and finalise preparations to accord a warm welcome to party Quaid Nawaz Sharif upon his arrival in the country.
PM thanks MD IMF for assistance in concluding $3 bln agreement
ISLAMABAD, Jul 14 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had a telephonic conversation with Managing Director International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva on Friday and he conveyed profound gratitude to her for support and assistance in materializing the recently concluded Stand-by Agreement for $3 billion.
The Prime Minister appreciated the MD for her leadership and professionalism. He also acknowledged that MD felt for the poor and termed her support as invaluable.
The IMF MD said that Prime Minister of Pakistan built a very convincing case, though the IMF Board was skeptical about Pakistan’s commitment to fulfilling the conditions of the agreement due to the past trust deficit. However, in the light of her continued engagement with the Prime minister, she assured the Board that Pakistan will deliver on its commitments as she had personally met the Prime Minister and seen his seriousness to deliver. She acknowledged the leadership shown by Prime Minister. She underlined that there was strong partnership and mutual trust between both parties now. Terming Pakistan as an important member of IMF, she reassured to continue to help Pakistan.
The Prime Minister on the occasion appreciated MD Ms. Georgieva for her positive approach and her frank comments during the Prime Minister’s interaction with her in Paris. Eventually, the hard work on both sides paid off and Standby Arrangement (SBA) was signed.
The Prime Minister reassured that he will not tolerate an iota of violation of this agreement.
“This government is here till August after which an interim government will take over and he is confident that they will continue to fulfill the obligations.”
After elections, if the people of Pakistan re-elected his government, he was committed to turning around the economy with the help of IMF and development partners, said the Prime Minister.
Referring to Pakistan”s best quality mangoes, the Prime Minister said it will be an honour to send a gift of Pakistani mangoes to the Managing Director as a token of respect and deep appreciation.
CM Bizenjo for devising Inclusive policy to attract investors in GMP
QUETTA, Jul 14 (APP): Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo on Friday said that under the Gwadar Master Plan (GMP), a comprehensive policy should be made to attract investors for the promotion of business and commercial activities in the Central Business District (CBD).
He expressed these views while chairing a high-level meeting to review the issues and problems of Gwadar.
The meeting was attended by Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Mir Hamal Kalmati from Gwadar, Senator Kuhada Babar and a Senior Member of the Board of Revenue.
Secretary Local Government, Secretary Communications, Secretary PHE, Chairman Gwadar Port Authority, Director General, Gwadar Development Authority, (DG, GDA) Commissioner Makran and Deputy Commissioner Gwadar.
The concerned authorities briefed the meeting regarding the development issues and problems of Gwadar in detail.
The meeting also gave approvals including in-principal approval of ownership rights to slum inhabitants of Lanchpari and Bakshi Colony and in principle the increase in compensation for the owners of the land acquired for the free trade zone (FTZ).
The meeting gave the approval to give compensation to the victims of Gailug Road after briefing the meeting on the issues of the Central Business District.
Special funds for emergency water supply to the residents of Kallar Kolanch until the installation of the pipeline was approved in the meeting despite the resolution of the settlement of 84 fishermen’s houses of the old population was also approved.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo said that under the Gwadar Master Plan (GMP), a comprehensive policy should be made to attract investors for the promotion of business and commercial activities in the Central Business District (CBD).
He directed that investment in the housing sector should be encouraged in order to speed up the process of development of Gwadar, the protection of the rights and powers of the local population would have to be ensured.
The local people will be trusted and made partners in the development process, he said adding that the first right on the development of Gwadar belonged to the local people, which could not be ignored in any case.
He said that our government has given the status of a tax-free district to Gwadar and hoped that the federal government would also give federal tax exemption soon saying that the aim of this initiative was to encourage investors and gain their confidence for the stability of the economy of the province.